15 Best Things to Do in Centre-Val de Loire

There’s no mystery why Centre-Val de Loire is such a hit with visitors. Firstly, the landscapes are heart-rendingly pretty, with vineyards sloping down to the banks of this broad semi-mythic river.

And then you have the heritage to contend with, as the Loire Valley was the retreat of choice for France’s renaissance kings, who created the luxurious palaces the region is famous for.

There is so much precious history in this article that it would be easier to point out the monuments that aren’t listed as UNESCO sites!

Lets have a look at the best things to do in Centre-Val de Loire:

1. Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral

This World Heritage-listed monument is held as one of the world’s most beautiful gothic cathedrals and keeps nearly all of its 13th-century architecture.

The wealth of things to see inside and out is almost inconceivable, from the flying buttresses, flamboyant gothic tower, stained glass windows and grand facades, which have more sculptures than any other cathedral in the world, to untold smaller wonders like the labyrinth, ornate monumental screen around the choir stalls and the Sancta Camisa.

This relic is supposedly the silk veil worn by Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

And then on summer nights the cathedral’s facades are painted with multicoloured light for the unmissable Chartres Light Show.